Bottle and closure

ABSTRACT

A projecting structure is integrally formed with a neck of a bottle or preform, or with a closure. The projecting structure comprises a ring-like element that extends around the neck or closure body and is supported therefrom by a plurality of discrete web formations. Adjacent web formations define in the projecting structure an optionally elongate aperture therebetween.

TECHNICAL FIELD

A modified bottle, a modified preform for the bottle, and a modifiedclosure for closing over the opening of a bottle, are disclosed.

BACKGROUND ART

WO 2009/067748 (to the present applicant) discloses a closure for abottle. The closure has projections that extend out from and around theclosure, some or all of which may have apertures extending therethrough(e.g. for clipping a lanyard to the closure). An ergonomic curvature isprovided under the projections to facilitate close manual gripping ofthe closure (e.g. when it is attached to a bottle). WO 2009/067748 alsodiscloses similar configurations of the projections but employed on abottle.

WO 02/36454 discloses a secondary lid (20) for a primary bottle closinglid (9). The secondary lid (20) is not designed for closing over anopening to a bottle, but instead is mounted to the primary lid (9) toprovide it with a deployable handle function. In this regard, a ring(22) of secondary lid (20) is manually engaged at an edging (24) topivot about zone (23), and this causes frangible ribs (25) to break,allowing the ring (22) to function as a swing handle for the primary lid(9).

A reference to the background art does not constitute an admission thatthe art forms a part of the common general knowledge of a person ofordinary skill in the art, in Australia or elsewhere.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to a first aspect, there is disclosed a modified bottle, and amodified preform for the bottle (e.g. that can be blow moulded into agiven bottle shape/type). The bottle/preform comprises a projectingstructure that is integrally formed with and that is located at oradjacent to a neck of the bottle/preform.

In accordance with the first aspect the projecting structure comprises aring-like element that extends around the neck. The ring-like element issupported therefrom by a plurality of discrete web formations. In theprojecting structure, adjacent web formations define an aperturetherebetween.

An unbroken configuration of the ring-like element together with the webformations have been observed to work together to provide dimensionalintegrity to the projecting structure. They enable the projectingstructure to meet often stringent performance criteria for bottles suchas impact resistance, so called “drop-test” requirements, etc. They alsoenable an item such as a lanyard to be clipped to the bottle, via theprojecting structure, and for the so-clipped bottle to withstand “rough”handling over a long period (e.g. from swinging, tugging, pulling, etc).When the bottle is fully laden, the unbroken configuration of thering-like element has been observed to withstand deformation, shearing,twisting, etc.

This unbroken configuration of the ring-like element is to be contrastedwith the discrete projecting elements employed on the bottle in WO2009/067748.

In one embodiment, adjacent web formations can be spaced so as to definein the projecting structure an elongate aperture therebetween. Forexample, each web formation can be spaced equidistantly from adjacentweb formations around the projecting structure.

In one embodiment, five or six equidistantly spaced web formations canbe employed in the projecting structure. In each case, the provision ofelongate apertures makes for easy use of the apertures (e.g. whenclipping a lanyard to the bottle). In addition, by making the apertureelongate more material is removed from the projecting structure, thus“light-weighting” the structure. In this regard, if an additionalstructure is to be employed in a bottle (e.g. a plastic commodity-typebottle manufactured in high numbers), it is desirable to reduce theadditional weight added by as much as possible, whilst at the same timeproviding dimensional stability and maintaining structural integrity ofthe additional structure.

In one embodiment, the projecting structure can further comprise asleeve that is located at or adjacent to the neck to surround the same.Such a sleeve can insulate the ring-like element and web formations fromthe bottle neck. Such a sleeve can also facilitate moulding of theprojecting structure, and can further enhance structural integrity (e.g.to better resist impact, dropping etc). In this regard, the lowerportion of the sleeve can be designed to take the place of the existingneck support flange that is employed in existing moulded-typebottles/preforms, which flange facilitates moulding as well asbottle/preform removal from the mould.

In this embodiment, the plurality of discrete web formations can beintegrally formed with and can project out from an outside wall of thesleeve.

In one embodiment, the sleeve may itself be spaced from the bottle neckby a plurality of discrete sleeve support webs. Each support web can beintegrally formed to extend between the bottle neck and an inside wallof the sleeve. Each support web can also be aligned with the webformations (i.e. where they project out from the outside wall of thesleeve) to further improve structural integrity of the projectingstructure. In another embodiment, the height of the sleeve can bereduced such that sleeve support webs are able to be eliminated.

In one embodiment, each of the web formations can comprise a pair ofclosely spaced, opposing webs for supporting the ring-like element.These individual webs can further “light-weight” the projectingstructure whilst, at the same time, providing dimensional stability andmaintaining structural integrity of the projecting structure. In thisform, each element support web can define a concave lateral surfacefacing into the aperture, with this curvature contributing to thestructural integrity of each web.

In an alternative embodiment, each of the web formations may comprise asingle wall. Each such single wall may be provided with a width that iscomparable to (e.g. that approaches or that is the same as) a width ofthe sleeve.

In one embodiment, an in-use underside surface of each of the webformations can define (i.e. can be provided with) an ergonomiccurvature. The curvature can be such that a user's finger can be closelyreceived against the underside surface in use. This can enhance manualcarrying of the bottle by a user (e.g. the bottle neck may sit morecomfortably between a user's fingers).

Further, in one form, the projecting structure can be formed to projectout sufficiently from the neck to allow for a sufficient proportion of auser's finger to engage the underside of the projecting structure, againso that the bottle can be more easily carried between and by a user'sfingers.

In a second aspect there is disclosed a closure for closing over theopening of a bottle. The closure of the second aspect may (or may not)be employed with a bottle having a projecting structure as defined forthe first aspect.

In accordance with the second aspect, the closure comprises a bodyattachable to the bottle to surround and close the opening. A projectingstructure is integrally formed with the body and comprises a ring-likeelement that extends around the body and that is supported therefrom bya plurality of discrete web formations. Adjacent web formations definein the projecting structure an elongate aperture therebetween.

The provision of elongate apertures allows for ease of attachment of ahook-like device (such as a lanyard) to the closure. The elongateapertures also help to “light-weight” the closure. Further, the elongateapertures give a pronounced appearance to, and highlight the unbrokencircumference of, the ring-like element. This is to be contrasted withthe projecting elements employed on the closures in WO 2009/067748.

When employed on a closure, the ring-like element and the web formationstogether again provide dimensional integrity to the projectingstructure, enabling the projecting structure to meet stringentperformance criteria in use on a bottle such as impact resistance, and“drop-test” requirements, etc. They together also enable an “as-clipped”projecting structure to withstand “rough” handling over a long period(e.g. from swinging, tugging, pulling, etc).

In one embodiment of the closure, each web formation projects either upand away, or laterally, from an outside side wall of the body. In thecase where the projection of the web is solely or essentially lateral,even more material can be removed from the web formation, to furtherlight-weight the closure. However, an increased thickness and shaping ofthe web formation may be required to preserve the strength of theprojecting structure.

To facilitate ease of carrying (e.g. when the closure is mounted to abottle), and in the case where the web formation projects up and awayfrom the body wall, an in-use underside surface of each of the webformations can be provided with an ergonomic curvature. This curvatureenables a user's fingers to be closely received against the undersidesurface in use.

To also facilitate ease of carrying (e.g. when the closure is mounted toa bottle), the projecting structure can be formed to project outsufficiently from the body of the closure to allow for a sufficientproportion of a user's finger to engage the underside of the projectingstructure.

In one embodiment of the closure, each of the web formations cancomprise a discrete web. In one form of the closure each web formationcan be spaced equidistantly from adjacent web formations around theprojecting structure.

In one embodiment of the closure, when the closure is in an uprightin-use orientation and when it is viewed in side elevation, theprojecting structure can generally be aligned with a top wall of thebody.

In one embodiment, the closure body can comprise a tamper band. In thisembodiment, and as an alternative to forming the projecting structure onthe closure body, the projecting structure can be integrally formed toproject out from the tamper band. Thus, in the case where the tamperband is of a type that is retained on the bottle, and when the closureis removed, the projecting structure can be retained at the bottle.

In an alternative embodiment, the closure can be connected via a tetherto a band (e.g. a tamper band) that remains behind on a bottle when theclosure is removed therefrom.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of thebottle, preform and closure as set forth in the Summary, specificembodiments of a preform, and of bottles and closures, will now bedescribed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A to 1D show plan, side, underside plan and sectional views of anembodiment of a preform for a bottle, with FIGS. 1E to 1G providingthree different perspective views of the preform;

FIGS. 2A to 2D show plan, side, perspective and sectional views of anembodiment of a bottle that has been blow moulded from the preform ofFIG. 1, with FIGS. 2E and 2F providing two different detail views of theneck of the bottle;

FIG. 3A shows a side view of another embodiment of a bottle that hasbeen blow moulded from a preform modified over that of FIG. 1, withFIGS. 3B and 3C providing two different detail views of the neck of thebottle of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A shows a side view of yet another embodiment of a bottle that hasbeen blow moulded from a preform modified over that of FIG. 1, withFIGS. 4B and 4C providing two different detail views of the neck of thebottle of FIG. 4A;

FIGS. 5A to 5C show side, underside perspective and topside perspectiveviews of a closure embodiment for closing over the opening of a bottle;

FIGS. 6A to 6C show side, underside perspective and topside perspectiveviews of another closure embodiment for closing over the opening of abottle;

FIGS. 7A to 7C show side, underside perspective and topside perspectiveviews of yet another closure embodiment for closing over the opening ofa bottle;

FIGS. 8A to 8F show side, plan, alternate side, underside plan, topperspective and underside perspective views of another embodiment of anupper detail of a bottle neck or of a neck for a preform for a bottle,with FIGS. 8G and 8H showing two different sectional views taken on thelines B-B and A-A respectively of FIG. 8B; and

FIG. 9 shows a side view of the bottle of FIG. 2 with a lanyard attachedthereto and with a user's finger schematically positioned thereat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a modified preform 10 (FIG. 1) and a modified bottle20 (FIG. 2), the bottle 20 having been blow moulded from the preform 10.The bottle/preform comprises a projecting structure in the form of aneck adaptation 30 that is integrally formed with and that is located at(or adjacent to) an externally threaded neck 32 of the bottle/preform.The neck adaptation 30 is formed to project out sufficiently from theneck 32 to allow for a sufficient proportion of a user's finger F toengage its underside (see FIG. 9) so that a laden bottle can be easilycarried between and by a user's fingers. Also, the neck adaptation 30 isformed to make it easy to attach a hook-like device thereto (e.g. a hookH of a lanyard L—see FIG. 9). This makes for ease of bottle handling inuse, including portability (such as personal portability—on or about theuser).

The neck adaptation 30 comprises a ring formation 34 that extends aroundthe neck 32. The ring formation 34 is unbroken (continuous) and issupported from the neck by a plurality of discrete web formations in theform of five equidistantly spaced discrete web structures 40. Five suchstructures have been found to provide sufficient structural integrity tothe neck adaptation 30, whilst not adding significantly to the overallweight of the adaptation 30. Adjacent web structures 40 define anelongate aperture 42 therebetween, with each aperture having roundedends. Each aperture 42 is formed to curve in accordance with thecurvature of the ring formation 34, though other orientations may beemployed for e.g. different aesthetic and functional effects.

As best shown in FIGS. 2E and 2F, each web structure 40 comprises a pairof closely spaced, opposing support walls 44. Each wall defines aconcave lateral surface 45 facing into the aperture 42, with thiscurvature rounding off the ends of the aperture 42, and alsocontributing to the structural integrity of each wall. Further, thethickness of walls 44 is reduced as much as possible so as to“light-weight” the neck adaptation 30 whilst, at the same time,providing dimensional stability and structural integrity to the neckadaptation.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 (and as best shown in FIGS. 1D, 2Dand 2E) an underside surface 46 of each of the walls 44 is provided withan ergonomic curvature. The curvature is formed such that a user'sfinger F can be closely received against the underside surface in use(see FIG. 9). This can enhance manual carrying of a laden bottle by auser, in that the bottle neck can sit more comfortably between a user'sfingers.

The ring formation 34 and the web structures 40 together function toprovide dimensional integrity and strength to the neck adaptation 30. Inthis regard, they allow the neck adaptation to meet stringentperformance criteria prescribed for bottles such as impact resistance,“drop-test” requirements, dimensional stability, wear-and-tearresistance over time, etc. They also allow for manual (finger) carryingof the bottle. The structure and configuration is such that a so-clippedand so-hung or carried bottle can withstand “rough” handling over a longperiod (e.g. from swinging, tugging, pulling, etc).

The elongate configuration of the apertures 42 makes for easy clippingof a lanyard (or other releasable type hook) to the bottle. In addition,by elongating the aperture, more material is “removed” during mouldingfrom the resultant neck adaptation 30, thus “light-weighting” thestructure. In this regard, when a structure such as that illustrated isemployed e.g. with a plastic commodity-type bottle (i.e. that ismanufactured in high numbers), it is desirable to reduce the additionalweight added to the bottle as much as possible, whilst at the same timeproviding dimensional stability and maintaining structural integrity. Bydesigning the neck adaptation 30 with a minimal number of web structures40, with a minimal thickness of walls and ring formation 34, and with amaximum aperture length, the competing objectives of dimensionalstability and structural integrity versus light-weighting can be met.

To further enhance moulding processes, and to provide furtherdimensional stability and structural integrity to the neck adaptation 30(e.g. such that it better resists impact, dropping etc), the neckadaptation 30 comprises a sleeve 47 that is moulded to the neck 32 tosurround the same. The sleeve also separates the adaptation 30 from theneck 32, which has insulation benefits.

The web structures 40 are integrally formed with and project out fromoutside wall 48 of the sleeve 47. The sleeve is integrally formed withbut spaced from the neck 32 by sleeve support webs 50. The support webs50 extend between the bottle neck and an inside wall of the sleeve andare aligned with the web structures 40. Again, this alignment furtherimproves impact and drop resistance, etc in that impact forces on thering formation 34 can be translated right through to the neck. Thearrangement at the is lower portion of the sleeve 47 is also designed toreplace an existing neck support flange that is employed in existingmoulded-type bottles/preforms. Such a flange facilitates moulding aswell as bottle/preform removal from the mould. The sleeve is able to“replace” this functionality, including facilitating the use of slidingcores which are employed in the mould to form the webs, apertures, etc.

A standard bottle cap can be separately screwed onto and off thethreaded upper end of the bottle neck 32. Alternatively, the variouscaps 100, 200 and 300 of FIGS. 5 to 7 can be screw-mounted to the bottle20.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A to 3C, where like reference numerals are usedto denote similar or like parts, a bottle 20′ is shown that has beenblow moulded from a preform that is slightly modified over that shown inFIGS. 1 and 2.

In this embodiment (and as best shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C) the ergonomiccurvature at the underside surface of each of the walls 44 is removedand is replaced by a straight edge 60. This provides slightly morematerial in the wall 44, thus increasing its strength, though making thewall underside surface less ergonomic. In other respects, the neckadaptation 30 is configured and functions in essentially the same way asthat previously described for FIGS. 1 and 2.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A to 4C, where like reference numerals are againused to denote similar or like parts, a bottle 20″ is shown that hasbeen blow moulded from a preform that is again slightly modified overthat shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In this embodiment (and as best shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C) the walls 44are removed and replaced by a different type of web formation 70.Formation 70 comprises a single bridge 72 that projects from a splitbase 74. This considerably reduces the material in the web structure 40,again contributing to light-weighting, though decreasing strength tosome extent. In addition, no ergonomic curvature C is employed in theformation 70. In other respects, the neck adaptation 30 is configuredand functions in essentially the same way as that previously describedfor FIGS. 1 and 2.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A to 5C a closure is shown in the form of a cap100 for closing over the opening of a bottle (e.g. a conventional bottleor a modified bottle such as one of the bottles 20, 20′, 20″). The cap100 comprises a body 102 that can be screw-mounted to the bottle viainternal threads 104 formed on an inside of cap sidewall 106. Whenscrew-mounted to the bottle, the sidewall 106 surrounds and secures to acorrespondingly externally threaded bottle neck (e.g. neck 32), with acap top wall 108 closing over and sealing the bottle opening (e.g. aninside seal 109 bears down on and seals against a rim of the bottleneck).

A projecting structure in the form of a cap adaptation 110 is integrallyformed with the body 102 and comprises a ring-like element in the formof ring 112 that extends around the body 102. The ring 112 is supportedfrom the body by a number of web formations in the form of arms 114.Each arm is spaced equidistantly from adjacent arms around the capadaptation 110. Five such arms are shown and have been found to providesufficient structural integrity to the cap in use. As also shown in FIG.5A, the ring 112 is generally aligned with the top wall 108 of the body.Thus, when the cap is inverted, the ring can provide an additional“base”.

The cap adaptation 110 is designed to project out sufficiently from thebody 102 to allow for a sufficient proportion of a user's finger toengage the underside of the cap adaptation 110. This facilitates ease ofcarrying via the cap (e.g. when the cap is mounted to a bottle).

In the cap adaptation 110 adjacent arms 114 define an elongate aperture116 therebetween that curves in the same way as ring 112. The formationof elongate apertures further helps to “light-weight” the closure. Theyalso provide an elegant, aesthetic and minimalist look to the capadaptation.

The ring 112 and the aims 114 are together designed to providedimensional and structural integrity to the cap adaptation 110, enablingit to meet stringent performance criteria when used on a bottle. Thesecriteria include impact resistance, ability to meet “drop-test”requirements, wear-and-tear resistance etc. The elongate aperture 116enables an item such as a lanyard to be easily clipped to the cap. Whena lanyard L is clipped thereto over a long period, the cap adaptation110 has been configured such that it is able to withstand “rough”handling (e.g. swinging, tugging, pulling, etc).

In the cap embodiment of FIG. 5, each arm 114 projects up and away fromthe sidewall 106 of the body. An in-use underside surface 120 of each ofthe arms is provided with an ergonomic curvature. Each such curvedsurface 120 enables a user's fingers to be closely received thereagainstin use, again making cap (and thus bottle) carrying easier and morecomfortable.

Optionally, a tamper band 122 is frangibly connected to a lower open endof the cap body 102 (i.e. to the lower edge of sidewall 106). In avariation, and as an alternative to integrally forming the capadaptation 110 with the body 102, the tamper band 122 can be re-sized,and the cap adaptation 110 can be integrally funned to project out fromthe band. Thus, in the case where the tamper band is of a type that isretained behind on the bottle when the cap is removed, the capadaptation 110 can remain at the bottle at all times.

In a further variation, the cap can be connected via an integrallyformed tether to a tamper band that remains behind on a bottle when thecap is removed therefrom (i.e. so that the cap is not lost). Theconnection of the tether to the cap can be such as to allow for rotation(free-wheeling) of the cap relative to the tether, so that the cap canbe separately and easily screwed onto and off the bottle.

In use, the cap 100 is screwed onto the bottle at the threaded neck,with the lower open end of the body 102 receiving the neck therein tothereby close the bottle opening. During attachment of the cap 100 tothe bottle, the tamper band 122 deforms outwardly around and rides overa ridge R (see FIG. 9). The ridge R is usually located on the bottleneck above a standard flange arrangement that projects laterally outfrom and around the bottle neck portion. Once the cap has been securedto the bottle, the tamper band 122 sits in close facing arrangement tostandard flange. This close facing arrangement mitigates againsttampering. The ridge thus locks the tamper band to the bottle, wherebyit becomes detached from the cap body and is left behind when the cap isremoved (unscrewed) from the bottle in use. Thus, the cap 100 issuitable for use with an existing or modified bottle.

In a variation to screw-mounting the cap, the inside surface of the capbody 102 can be sized or configured (e.g. by having jaws or ribs formedthereon) for snap, friction or interference fit engagement with asuitably modified outer surface of the bottle neck.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A to 6C, where like reference numerals are usedto denote similar or like parts, another closure embodiment is shown inthe form of a cap 200. A number of the features of cap 200 are similarto those of cap 100, and hence will not be re-described.

Cap 200 differs from cap 100 in that each arm 114′ does not comprise anunderside surface 120′ that has an ergonomic curvature. Rather, each armdefines a generally flat, planar surface 120′. Again, each arm 114′projects up and away from the sidewall 106 of the body, and arms 114′comprise more material (i.e. have a greater thickness) than arms 114, toincrease arm strength, and thus to increase overall strength andperformance of the cap adaptation 110.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A to 7C, where like reference numerals are usedto denote similar or like parts, yet another closure embodiment is shownin the form of a cap 300. Again, a number of the features of cap 300 aresimilar to those of cap 100, and hence will not be re-described.

Cap 300 differs from cap 100 in that each arm 114″ does not project upand away from the sidewall 106 of the body, but rather projectslaterally out from the sidewall 106, adjacent to the top wall 108. Incap 300, even more material has been removed from the arms 114″, whichcan result in some decrease in strength, but significantly increaseslight-weighting of the cap adaptation 110 and thus of the cap 300.

In each of the bottle embodiments of FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, and in the capembodiments of FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the adaptations 30, 110 allow a bottleto be carried whereby a user's hand does not need to contact a body ofthe bottle. As a result, any chilled content of the bottle is not heatedby the user's body heat, and any warm/hot content of the bottle does notget transferred to the user. Furthermore, the user's hand does notbecome cold, hot, wet or clammy etc, because it is not contacting thebottle or moisture condensation thereon.

The ergonomically shaped surfaces (46 in bottle 20 and 120 in cap 100)provide for comfortable engagement of the user's finger or fingers,making it easier for the user to “grab” and then carry the bottle. Inaddition, a bottle can be comfortably carried for longer periods, asopposed to a user having to use their entire hand to grip around thebottle.

By engaging the adaptations 30, 110 a user is able to carry a bottle insuch a way that leaves the palm of their hand free to carry anotherobject or objects such as keys, mobile phone, wallet or food, forexample. Furthermore, the user can carry an additional bottle byengaging the adaptations 30, 110 of the additional bottle between thesame or different fingers of the same hand. Thus, multiple bottles canbe carried between each of adjacent fingers (i.e. by one hand).

The adaptations 30, 110 are provided with sufficient width (i.e. degree,extent or length of lateral projection) to enable a sufficientproportion of a user's fingers to engage the adaptations. For example,the extent or length of lateral projection can be at least 10-25% of thewidth (diameter) of the cap body (e.g. ˜21% in the caps shown in theFIGS. 5 to 7).

Referring now to FIGS. 8A to 8H, the reference numeral series “500” willbe employed, where e.g. the reference numeral 530 denotes a similar orlike part to the reference numeral 30 employed in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment for the neck 500 of a bottle or bottlepreform. In this embodiment the neck adaptation 530 is again formed toproject out sufficiently from the neck 532 to allow for ease of carryingbetween and by a user's fingers and to make it easy to attach a hook Hof a lanyard (FIG. 9).

In FIG. 8, the neck adaptation 530 again comprises a ring formation 534that extends around the neck 532 but, in this embodiment, the ringformation 34 is supported from the neck by six equidistantly spaceddiscrete web structures 540. The six web structures 540 have been foundto increase the structural integrity and stability of the neckadaptation 530, improving its impact resistance, drop-test performance,and wear-and-tear resistance, without adding significantly to itsoverall weight.

Again, adjacent web structures 540 define an elongate aperture 542therebetween. However, in this embodiment, each web structure 540comprises a single, relatively wider support wall 544 for increasedstructural integrity and strength. In this regard, the width of supportwall 544 can be comparable to (e.g. can approach or be the same as) thewidth of the sleeve (see FIGS. 8D and 8G).

Again, an underside surface 546 of each of the walls 544 is providedwith an ergonomic curvature such that a user's finger can be closelyreceived thereagainst in use (FIG. 9) to enhance manual carrying of aladen bottle by a user. The wider underside surface has also beenobserved to provide increased comfort and handling.

Again, each web structure 540 is integrally formed with to project outfrom the outside wall 548 of sleeve 547. Again, the sleeve is integrallyformed with but spaced from the neck 532. However, in this embodiment,the height of the sleeve has been reduced so that the support webs (item50 in FIG. 2F) are able to be eliminated. This has been observed to makethe neck formation easier and simpler to mould, without compromisingstrength, structural integrity, dimensional stability, etc. In addition,the neck adaptation 530 has a reduced overall size, and thus consumesless plastic, has a more elegant appearance, etc.

The neck adaptation 530 of FIG. 8 is otherwise generally as describedfor previous embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 9, the apertures 42, 116 (i.e. in either of theadaptations 30, 110) enable a bottle to be carried by a connectiondevice. The connection device shown in FIG. 9 is a lanyard, but in otherembodiments may be a pin, bolt, clip, caribina, string, cord, chain,cable tie, key-ring, split ring or any other suitable connection device.Such a connection device can enable the cap or bottle to be readilyconnected to any suitable article such as a bag, belt loop, back pack,door or other knob, hook, mounting at a point-of-sale location, ordirectly to a user for example. The apertures 42, 116 can also allow forhanging/mounting storage.

In one particular application, a user (such as a backpacker or hikeretc) may connect a drink bottle to a ring or loop on their bag byconnecting such a connection device to the ring or loop and also to oneof the apertures of the cap/bottle. Alternatively, the connection devicecan be connected to a cord which is worn around the backpacker orhiker's neck. In both instances, the drink bottle is readily availableto the user, whilst remaining securely attached to their bag or theirpersonage. The connection device can also allow heavier bottles to becarried, hung or hooked-up.

The caps 100, 200, 300 can be modified to incorporate a pop-up mouthpiece (sometimes referred to as a “sports” mouth piece), dispensingprojections, etc through which fluid may selectively exit the bottle(i.e. when the mouth piece is deployed). The caps may also comprise aflip-top, overcap or detachable lid for closing over a nozzle of thepop-up mouth piece.

The caps shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 provide a number of further advantages tothose described above. One such advantage is that the adaptation 110enables a user to get greater purchase on a cap during its closing oropening. This is particularly advantageous for users with small, weak orarthritic hands and/or fingers, making it easier for such users to openand close bottles. Furthermore, this greater purchase reduces oreliminates the need for corrugations, knurlings etc on the cap body,which need to be provided on some conventional closures (i.e. thecorrugations on some conventional closures can cause pain through fingerburn during opening and/or closing, especially at initial opening).

The adaptations 30, 110 allow for heavier bottles to be carried by auser (e.g. by a child or elderly person) through the use of a connectiondevice. The adaptations 30, 110 also allow such users to carry multiplebottles in one hand (i.e. with one or more bottles being able to be heldin the space between adjacent fingers). The adaptations 30, 110 alsoallow multiple bottles to be carried by e.g. respective multiplelanyards and carried by one hand, freeing up the other hand

The location of the adaptation 110 in the caps of FIGS. 5 to 7 is suchas to provide a base-like structure at the in-use upper end of thebottle/closure. In this regard, this can allow the bottle to be invertedso that it can then stand with the cap as its base.

An additional advantage of the caps and bottles as shown in any of FIGS.1 to 8 is their marketing potential. The caps and bottles have a uniquevisual appeal, thus enabling the caps and bottles to readily “stand out”from conventional bottles and/or conventional closures. This visualappeal can be further enhanced when symmetry (or asymmetry) is employedin the adaptations 30, 110. The different cap and bottle styles can alsobecome collectable (e.g. users may strive to collect all caps andbottles in a series).

In addition, because the bottles and caps can be carried by the caps atthe neck, any logos, labels, or other markings on the bottles are atfull display when the bottles are being carried. Thus, marketingmaterial placed on the bottles is given greater exposure as compared toconventional bottles provided with conventional caps (which require thebottle body to be carried in a user's hand).

The adaptation 110 on the caps as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 is also such asto provide the cap with better resistance to roll-away should the cap bedropped.

The caps can be sized for use with a variety of standard bottle spoutsizes, such as 26, 28, 35, 42 mm etc. Each such bottle neck can alsocarry the neck adaptation 30. Also, the caps can incorporate substancedispensing mechanisms therein to release material from within the capand into bottle liquid contents.

Whilst projecting structures with five web formations have been shown, agreater or lesser number of web formations can be employed asappropriate.

The bottle can be any size and can comprise a variety of types (e.g. ofpolymers such as PET, so-called “Eco-PET”, glass, aluminium,plastic-lined paper etc).

The preforms disclosed herein can be employed in both single-stage andtwo-stage blow moulding processes.

The various cap and bottle embodiments can also be used with a widevariety of liquids and beverages, including carbonated andnon-carbonated beverages, and including still and sparkling waters andmineral waters, teas, juices, milk and milk drinks, health and energydrinks, etc.

In both the claims and the preceding description, except where thecontext requires otherwise due to express language or necessaryimplication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or“comprising” is used in an inclusive sense (i.e. to specify the presenceof the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition offurther features in various embodiments of the bottle and closure).

1. A bottle or bottle preform comprising: a projecting structure that isintegrally formed with and located at or adjacent to a neck of thebottle/preform, the projecting structure comprising a ring-like elementthat extends around the neck and is supported therefrom by a pluralityof discrete web formations, wherein adjacent web formations in theprojecting structure define an aperture therebetween.
 2. The bottle orbottle preform as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjacent webformations define in the projecting structure an elongate aperturetherebetween,
 3. The bottle or bottle preform as claimed in claim 1,wherein the projecting structure further comprises a sleeve that islocated at or adjacent to the neck to surround the neck, wherein theplurality of discrete web formations are integrally formed with and toproject outwardly from an outside wall of the sleeve.
 4. The bottle orbottle preform as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the web formationscomprises: (i) a pair of closely spaced, opposing element support websfor supporting the ring-like element; (ii) a single wall having a widthcomparable to a width of the sleeve.
 5. The bottle or bottle preform asclaimed in claim 4, wherein each element support web defines a concavelateral surface facing into the aperture.
 6. The bottle or bottlepreform as claimed in claim 1, wherein an in-use underside surface ofeach of the web formations defines an ergonomic curvature configured fora user's finger to be closely received against the underside surface inuse.
 7. The bottle or bottle preform as claimed in claim 1, wherein theprojecting structure projects out sufficiently from the neck to allowfor a portion of a user's finger to engage the underside of theprojecting structure so that the bottle can be carried.
 8. The bottle orbottle preform as claimed in claim 1, wherein each web formation isspaced equidistantly from adjacent web formations around the projectingstructure.
 9. A closure for closing over the opening of a bottle, theclosure comprising: a body attachable to the bottle to surround andclose the opening, and a projecting structure that is integrally formedwith the body, the projecting structure comprising a ring-like elementthat extends around the body and that is supported therefrom by aplurality of discrete web formations, wherein adjacent web formationsdefining in the projecting structure an elongate aperture therebetween.10. The closure as claimed in claim 9, wherein each web formationprojects either up and away, or laterally, from an outside side wall ofthe body.
 11. The closure as claimed in claim 9, wherein, when the webformation projects up and away from the body outside side wall, anin-use underside surface of each of the web formations defines anergonomic curvature whereat a user's finger can be closely receivedagainst the underside surface in use.
 12. The closure as claimed inclaim 9, wherein the projecting structure projects out sufficiently fromthe body to allow for a sufficient proportion of a user's finger toengage the underside of the projecting structure to enable a bottle towhich the closure is attached to be carried.
 13. The closure as claimedin claim 9, wherein each of the web formations comprises a discrete web.14. The closure as claimed in claim 9, wherein, when the closure is inan upright in-use orientation and when it is viewed in side elevation,the projecting structure is generally aligned with a top wall of thebody.
 15. The closure as claimed in claim 9, wherein each web formationis spaced equidistantly from adjacent web formations around theprojecting structure.
 16. The closure as claimed in claim 9, wherein theclosure body comprises a tamper band, and wherein the projectingstructure is integrally formed to project out from the tamper band. 17.A closure as claimed in claim 16, wherein the tamper band is retained onthe bottle when the closure is removed, whereby the projecting structureis retained at the bottle.
 18. A closure as claimed in in claim 9, thatis connected via a tether to a band that remains behind on a bottle whenthe closure is removed therefrom.